NEW ORLEANS – These days, newly-signed New Orleans Saints defensive end Bobby McCray must be asking himself -- “What Next?’’

Consider:

On June 16, the seven-year veteran speed rusher received his Super Bowl XLIV ring during red carpet ceremonies at the historic Roosevelt Hotel outside the French Quarter.

Six days later, the Saints abruptly released McCray with three years remaining on his contract in what could only be perceived as a cost-saving measure. He was due a $1.25 million signing bonus around July 1.

On July 17, McCray married actress Khadijah Haqq during a star-studded ceremony at Vibiana, an opulent wedding destination in downtown Los Angeles. The couple is expecting their first child in December. Teammates Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey were groomsmen. Haqq’s best friend, Khloe Kardashian, sister of ex-Bush girlfriend Kim Kardashian, was a bridesmaid.

Then, on Thursday, Saints officials and McCray were reunited after a 31-day breakup, agreeing to a one-year contract that will pay him considerably less than before his release.

“I took a big hit,’’ McCray told NewOrleans.Com when reached in Los Angeles on Sunday night. When asked if he received a signing bonus, McCray replied: “I’m embarrassed to tell you, it’s so small. I definitely took a big hit.’’

During our 15-minute conversation, it was clear to see that the 28-year-old McCray was still humbled by the sudden turn of events June 21.

“Yeah, it was a shocker to me,’’ he said. “I couldn’t really pinpoint the reason why. I still don’t know what was in their head. But it happens. The NFL is a business and this just happened to be my turn to get caught up in the business. I didn’t want to leave, and I don’t want to leave now and it’s time for me to make the best of my opportunity.

McCray said his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, stayed in constant communication with Saints officials with the hope of reaching a contractual compromise.

“The most important thing is I’m just glad to be a Saint again,’’ McCray said. “I wasn’t really looking to play anywhere else. My agent was working the phones but he knew where my heart was. It was here in New Orleans and so I had him focus on that. I just wanted to be a Saint.’’

McCray said he remains confident of his abilities and his sole focus each day is to put forth his best effort in training camp. Players are scheduled to report Thursday for their conditioning test with two practices set for Friday.

McCray’s challenge of making the 53-man roster has been made more difficult with the offseason acquisition of free agent defensive ends Alex Brown and Jimmy Wilkerson.

But McCray said he is up to the challenge. At minicamp, McCray saw his share of time with the first unit as Brown familiarized himself with the new scheme and Wilkerson continued to rehabilitate his surgically-repaired left knee.

“All I can do is stay healthy and go out and show them I can play,’’ McCray said. “I need to be focused and be the first one in the meeting room and the last one to leave. I can’t take it lightly because you never know what’s going to happen. I just have to give my all, all of the time.

“A healthy Bobby McCray is always confident of making a squad. I’ve never had that problem. My mindset now is just working hard and competing and having a good run at another year. I’m not worried about making the roster. I just want to be focused day in and day out and go out and work hard. I got to accept what happened to me and bounce back from it. I’m bouncing back now and ready to compete.’’

Ashley

07-26-2010 11:12 AM

Re: Bobby McCray back with New Orleans Saints after hectic stretch

“I took a big hit,’’ McCray told NewOrleans.Com when reached in Los Angeles on Sunday night. When asked if he received a signing bonus, McCray replied: “I’m embarrassed to tell you, it’s so small. I definitely took a big hit.’’
Ok Bobby, I'll trade ya pay checks big boy. Hell i didn't even get a signing bonus.
But I'm sure happy to have ya back in the Black and Gold ! Work hard kick ass and bring us back a TWO DAT !

diamond12

07-26-2010 09:40 PM

Re: Bobby McCray back with New Orleans Saints after hectic stretch

Glad we got him back,hated for the poor guy to go through all the crap he went through tho...he'll shine this season big time, if you're not the Saints quarterback......look out,, he's gonna take it out on someone fer sure.

strato

07-26-2010 09:54 PM

Re: Bobby McCray back with New Orleans Saints after hectic stretch

McCray lost some pay...awww....what a shame..lol...just kiddin killer ...he will be motivated..im hoping